In 2020, Joanna Sędzicka – a graduate of interior design at Łódź University of Technology – plucked up the courage to start working under her own name. This is how Sędzicka Architekt was founded. The architect’s guiding values are clearly visible even in her first independent projects: focus on people, their comfort and needs, responsibility for the place she has been entrusted with and eschewing rigidly defined stylistic frameworks.
A childhood dream that turned into her own design studio
The dream of having her own brand and interior design studio has stuck with Joanna Sędzicka for as long as she can remember. Although she had no immediate inspiration or role model in her inner circle, even as a young child, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would reply, ‘an architect.’ She had always been interested in home renovations and small DIY jobs. She was involved in decorating and re-furnishing her bedroom. The passion matured over the years and when it came to her university options, there was only one choice for her. Interior design in Łódź – a city she later chose for her professional career.
Sędzicka Architekt – projects that are close to people
Although she has tried a variety of challenges along the way – from working in various offices, to operating in the cubic architecture industry and working for a developer on a construction site – it is the interior that has proved to be her area of expertise. Sędzicka Architekt likes being as close to people and their needs as possible. Her designs are driven by how her clients want to feel and function in their dream homes. It is only on this basis that she develops a unique aesthetic.
An example of this approach is one of her favourite projects – a flat in Warsaw, which was supposed to take off the owners’ shoulders the need to ferry their teenage children to school from their suburban home and then, once the children have flown the nest, become a mature couple’s haven. As the architect herself admits, it was an incredible challenge for her to design two flats in one. It was achieved thanks to a total makeover.
What values and outlook guide your design work? What are your priorities in creating interior designs?
If we replace the word ‘client’ with ‘human being’ and understand that the comfort of someone’s life in their flat or house depends on our ideas, we come to realise how responsible this job is. And I guess it is this responsibility to create interiors that are ready for the challenges of everyday life that is my benchmark in design work. Couple it with the emotional toll of creating places that are meant to be a haven and taking care of the budget of the project, and you have a really good combo!
Besides, I really enjoy having that deeper, human connection with clients. It allows us to become more open and we have more mutual trust. It is all very important to get to the bottom of the needs and dreams for your new home.
Do you have a favourite interior design style? If so, what kind?
I try to get inspiration from different styles and follow the direction in which my clients are drawn. I like to mix and match. So possibly eclecticism? I appreciate many trends for different things: I admire the simplicity of form among the minimalists. But I am also inspired by the out-of-the-box combinations of colour and pattern among the maximalists. I am glad that Japandi has introduced more fine, warm and cosy materials into interiors. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of lofty, raw concrete. And recently, I have fallen in love with an idea from Instagram to, following the eco trend, make a floor out of stone waste and pour concrete to create a unique terrazzo pattern.
What materials and technologies do you most like to use in your projects?
Like probably many architects, I will say that I like natural materials, but I am aware that they are not for everyone due to their nature. They are subject to change over time and need to be cared for, waterproofed, sometimes refreshed. And we tend to be lazy and like to have something permanent and hassle-free. If necessary, I therefore try to use very good quality imitations. Modern vinyl pretends to be wood very well, and you can walk on it without worrying about wet shoes and stilettos. Many types of tiles masterfully pretend to be stone and are more resistant to various liquids and discolouration. Such examples can be abundant. On the other hand, I am not a fan of encouraging clients by force just because I prefer something myself.
What are your experiences of working with clients? What do you think is the key to a successful collaboration?
Trust, openness and willingness to talk. If two people share the same values, they always manage to work out solutions that are acceptable to all. I am fond of working with committed individuals who care about the details. When I see that the other party sincerely cares about cool results, I’m even twice as motivated!
Can you talk about one of the most inspiring/interesting projects you have worked on?
Each project is a new inspiration. However, I remember with great fondness some of the first projects under my own name when someone entrusted me with their entire flat. There was a lot of good stuff going on at the time. There were minimalist projects where I combined copper and gold touches. There was modern classic and a hotel-like interior, or an interior inspired by a bit of a southern, Mediterranean vibe. They have all either already completed or are nearing completion. Also interesting is one recent project where we have to move a pre-retired couple from a 200sq m house to a 50sq m flat (and they have a whole lot of books to move!). By the way, we are going back a bit in style to these people’s childhood and youth, the 1960s. In truth, there is no greater inspiration than such everyday human needs.
Do you offer a consultation service?
Yes. Firstly, anyone interested in getting involved is welcome to attend such a consultation/ initial meeting so that we can sit down, talk, get to know each other. Only on this basis can we create a tailor-made offer. Such a meeting is free of charge. I think it is very important to be able to have a quick chat before deciding on a few or sometimes several months’ cooperation.
Secondly, I also offer an hour-long appointment online to discuss ongoing finishing issues. This is a great option for people who have taken on a renovation on their own and are stuck with an issue and don’t have time for a full project.
